January 21st, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The 40^th annual Mountain Maryland PACE Reception could face some challenges when it comes to attendance this year- but organizers are optimistic that once again there will be strong turnout. The event, scheduled for Thursday evening and Friday morning at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, serves as a showcase for western Maryland with key department heads, lawmakers and business leaders from all parts of the state attending. Potential issues this year include a major event scheduled by Governor Larry Hogan at the same time of the Thursday evening reception; and a pending winter storm expected to blanket the state with heavy snow. PACE co-chair Nicole Christian talked with WCBC News and said that even given those issues, a crowd of more than 500 is expected to attend. She said the reception and breakfast are highlights, but there are any number of meetings between local and state officials during PACE week that benefits Allegany and Garrett counties…